Page 8 - GreenMaster Winter 2023

uVIEWPOINTuJEFF CALDERWOOD
As I hand off the CEO role to Kathryn
Wood, I wanted to use this final GreenMaster space to reflect upon the CGSA’s renewed strength and the very bright future ahead.
I am proud to note that the value proposition of CGSA’s member benefits has been substantially improved in recent years. New initiatives, such as the introduction of Golfmax manufacturer’s rebates and discounts from leading suppliers, typically saves your budget more than the cost of CGSA dues.
The value of industry leading national events, such as The Canadian and Fall Field Days, are now delivering greater professional development and more dynamic peer-to-peer networking value. We also launched Thank a Golf Superintendent Day, which has been a big success.
The CGSA is now delivering more content through our GreenMaster and On the Fringe e-newsletters. GreenMaster Magazine has also experienced a significant uptick in quality, both in hard copy and digital. The addition of Golf Business Canada Magazine has been another great win for the membership.
Advocacy has also been a CGSA success story. From PMRA submissions, to rebutting David Suzuki’s ‘Dad and Dandelions’, to our Covid leadership, to National Golf Day, and CGSA representing our profession on the NAGA board.
Onward and Upward!
Industry Awards, Accreditation, Comp- ensation & Benefits Studies, Economic Impact Studies, and Benchmarking Surveys all deliver additional value to you. The introduction of MemberPerks, for your personal CGSA benefits, provides average savings of over $1,000 per family, per year.
Internally, we invested in a sophisticated Association Management System, improved CGSA’s policies and procedures, negotiated 4 provincial association partnerships, the NGCOA Canada partnership, expanded the staff team, innovated various expense reductions, grew our annual revenues by 70%, and improved CGSA’s overall financial position by an additional $500,000.
And, there is more on the way! Watch for new CGSA events, the GEO Sustainable Golf Program, and our contributions towards future labour solutions. The net effect of all this progress is a much stronger CGSA ability to serve the membership.
On a personal note, I would like to thank the staff for their exceptional dedication, as well as each of the boards that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years. I look forward to serving in an advisory role to further contribute to this great association.
Respectfully,
Jeff Calderwood, former CEO Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
CGSA STAFF
1-800-387-1056
Kathryn Wood, CMP
Interim Chief Executive Officer, ext. 23 kwood@golfsupers.com
Lori Micucci
Manager, Member Services, ext. 27 lmicucci@golfsupers.com
Barb Manifold
Events and Administration, ext. 25 Editorial Committee bmanifold@golfsupers.com
Jenn Rozek
Communications Manager jrozek@golfsupers.com
Jeff Calderwood
Strategic Advisor, ext. 24 Editorial Committee jcalderwood@golfsupers.com
Additional Editorial Committee
Cameron Kusiek, (Chair)
Carnmoney Golf Club
Tyler McComas, (Vice Chair)
Dakota Dunes Golf Links
Dean Piller, AGS
Cordova Bay Golf Course
Karen Rumohr, AGS
Woodside Golf Course
Josh Tubbs
The Toro Company
Garry Haynes, MS, AGS
Blue Devil Golf Club
Jim Flett, AGS
Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club
Sara Stricker
Guelph Turfgrass Institute
8 • CGSA • GreenMaster